An awakening!!

[Ducky]

With the passing of my wife last month the responsibility was mint to sort through stuff. File after file, drawer after drawer, closet after closet.
I found myself flipping through my photographs over a 40 year period. They were not very good and worse, I have not really improved.
I think I may pack it in. I have lawyers and travel for the next few weeks . Unless I change my mind, look for a few cameras in the classifieds.

Just a vent, I wonder if this is a common feeling after reviewing so much past work.

 

[FrankS]

Ducky, just think if you hadn't taken those photos. Memories fade. They may not be works of art, but they are recordings of your life. Hang in there. Just take a break.

 

[Dave Jenkins]

My first wife passed away more than 40 years ago, but I still remember how I felt. The best advice I can give you is that you make as few major decisions as possible until after she has been gone for one year. That would include photography, if photography is an important part of your life.

 

[Nikon Bob]

Ducky, it does not matter how good they are just as long as you had pleasure from the act of photographing. As Frank said, treasure them and take a break. In time, when all the pressure passes, you may not be of the same mind set. Do not sell anything immediately.

Bob

 

[Bingley]

Very sorry to hear of your loss, Ducky. Now is not the time to worry about your photography. As said above, you've documented your life together, and that may be the most important thing. Take deep breath. My condolences.

 

[ChrisN]

Ducky, I'd echo the advice above that now is not the time to be making decisions about significant changes. Put things aside for a while perhaps, but don't burn any bridges.

And I would also like to express my condolences. In 2006 my wife's oldest son (my stepson) died just a few days before Christmas. That event knocked the winds out of our sails and left us both suffering from depression, with no energy or motivation for work or hobbies. It has taken quite some time to get back on track, but I'm glad that I didn't abandon my (somewhat mediocre) efforts in photography. Time heals, or at least helps to lessen the pain. Allow yourself the time to grieve, and to adapt to your new circumstances. Take care.

 

[Frank Petronio]

It's good to vent here... stick around.

 

[nikon_sam]

My first wife passed away more than 40 years ago, but I still remember how I felt. The best advice I can give you is that you make as few major decisions as possible until after she has been gone for one year. That would include photography, if photography is an important part of your life.

It's good to vent here... stick around.

Good advice here...

 

[Hjortsberg]

It's good to vent here... stick around.

i 2nd that....

 

[Sarcophilus Harrisii]

So sorry for your loss...
Regards,
Brett

 

[Sarcophilus Harrisii]

Ducky, I'd echo the advice above that now is not the time to be making decisions about significant changes. Put things aside for a while perhaps, but don't burn any bridges.

And I would also like to express my condolences. In 2006 my wife's oldest son (my stepson) died just a few days before Christmas. That event knocked the winds out of our sails and left us both suffering from depression, with no energy or motivation for work or hobbies. It has taken quite some time to get back on track, but I'm glad that I didn't abandon my (somewhat mediocre) efforts in photography. Time heals, or at least helps to lessen the pain. Allow yourself the time to grieve, and to adapt to your new circumstances. Take care.

Chris,
I don't think your images are mediocre. I can easily recall your B&W image of the Gullwing which I instantly liked, and still like!
Regards,
Brett

 

[35mmdelux]

My Mom passed away a few days before Christmas a few years ago. I was so numb I even stuck my hand in the cage of my Mom's hostile parrot and the parrot promptly took a piece out of my finger.

Consider stowing the gear away for now and wait another day to make a decision if you're out of photography.

Best, Paul

 

[Brian Legge]

I'm sorry for your loss. I can't imagine what you are going through.

Your comment about going through your things made me realize something. My wife and I have been married for 10 years. We both despise photos of ourselves and as a result, we have virtually no photos of us since our wedding. Should something happen to one of us, there wouldn't be any sort of visual record of our lives together.

I have a hard time looking at my own work objectively on a good day. Lots of people here go through periods of frustration with their work without the added difficulty of the hard times you are experiencing. I agree with others on waiting to make any decisions here - and I personally / selfishly hope to see your comments here at rff in the future.

 

[drewbarb]

So sorry for your loss, Ducky. Reflect, and be gentle with yourself. I understand the urge to "pack it in" and sell your cameras- but unless you really feel it's a/the cathartic change you need and want, I'd decide later. Anyway, god's speed.

 

[farlymac]

My condolences, Ducky, to you and your family. The loss of a loved one is not an easy thing to go through. But don't do anything irrational. Take your time to get your bearings again. And we're here to listen when you want to vent.

PF

 

[sanmich]

Ducky,
First, my condolences for your loss.
It is very natural to feel such a loss of interest in something that you liked before from time to time. It is much so during such a crisis.
I would just humbly advise not to do anything that can't be undone.
Gear can be rebought (mostly), but don't throw away any picture or neg.
Wishing you the best possible 2012 under the sad circumstances.

 

[Haigh]

Sorry to read of your loss. Good advice from the members above-avois making major decisions if you can. It does take a while for one's mind to settle after a loss. My wife died 20 years ago and when I think of my actions after she had gone, I was really a bit dippy.

 

[raydm6]

I am so very sorry for your loss...

In peace...

Ray

 

[lynnb]

Ducky,
I am very sorry to hear of your loss. Please heed the advice above and wait at least a year before making any significant decisions. Time does heal, slowly but surely.
Remember also that your judgement is affected by your emotions. You may well have a different view about your photographic archives when you look back at this sad time a year from now.
My sincere condolences to you. Please take care of yourself, and do not hesitate to vent here anytime, or to seek the company of friends when you are feeling low.
Kind regards,

 

[thegman]

My first wife passed away more than 40 years ago, but I still remember how I felt. The best advice I can give you is that you make as few major decisions as possible until after she has been gone for one year. That would include photography, if photography is an important part of your life.

I think Dave is right about waiting a while, it is amazing how much different you will feel after one year, or perhaps a little longer/shorter.

I actually think it can be more important to get more into hobbies at times like this, it keeps us busy and gives us something to think about other than grief.

I'm sorry for your loss, and for what it's worth, I like your B&W Washington DC work, and this is awesome:

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=132649&ppuser=6167